If you have a bird box in your garden, there are three crucial mistakes you don’t want to make. Keeping wildlife in your garden safe is important and having a bird box is a key part of giving back to the animals in your outdoor space.

But doing it properly is something people often forget to consider. There’s certain things you should take into consideration if you have a bird box in your garden and while they might only be small things, they could make a huge difference to wildlife in your garden. She says where you put the bird box and the types of food you feed birds are two of the biggest mistakes people often make.

Helen Nyul, Group Head of Biodiversity at David Wilson Homes, has shared some expert advice for encouraging more birds into your garden and how to correctly provide a shelter for them.

As Helen explains: “Setting up a hanging feeding station is a great way to attract a wide variety of garden wildlife, including different varieties of birds.

“However, it’s important to try to make sure hanging feeding stations are five to six feet in the air to reduce the risk of any nearby ground predators such as cats. A tree is the best location for these, but equally, a nearby fence or post will suffice.

“For garden birds, suet balls and other fat-based food bars are excellent, high-energy foods for winter and popular with a wide range of birds. Sunflower seeds are the go-to choice universally alongside mealworms.

“Make sure to avoid any salted foods and nuts, as these can dehydrate the birds. Also, avoid any loose peanuts and larger food items, as parent birds might take these back to their nests, and their young can choke on them.”

The RSPB also recommends cleaning bird feeders at least once a week to prevent the spread of disease. 

This involves brushing off debris, scrubbing with a mild disinfectant solution, and then thoroughly rinsing with clean water.

Helen goes on to share: “Rather than simply attracting wildlife to your garden, you can go a step further and make it a home for wildlife, from birds to bugs.

“Bird boxes are often the most popular choice, but you need to make sure you don’t fall into common pitfalls with their placement and construction.”

She says the orientation to the sun is also important. Nest boxes should ideally face north-east to south-east to avoid any strong blowing winds and excessive heat from the midday sun. They also should be slightly angled to avoid any rainwater from getting inside.

They should never be placed facing directly south, as exposing the box to the sun all day can be dangerous for young birds, causing them to overheat and dehydrate.

Bird boxes should also ideally be one to three metres off the ground to protect them from any crafty cats or other predators. 

However, some species, like kestrels and owls, prefer boxes to be even higher, sometimes five or more metres.

Ideally, they should be fixed to a tree, but the top of a garden fence or garden shed will also suffice as long as predators cannot easily access it.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure to keep wildlife in your garden safe and give back to the ecosystem in your garden.